Overview
Febrile convulsions are seizures triggered by fever in young children, typically between six months and five years — frightening to watch but usually brief and without lasting harm. The critical issues are protecting the child during the fit and finding the cause of the fever, which in Nigeria must include a malaria test. Never apply burns, peppers or other harmful first aid.
Symptoms
- Stiffening and jerking of the limbs during a fever
- Loss of consciousness during the episode
- Eyes rolling back
- Episode usually lasting under five minutes
- Drowsiness afterwards
- Fever from an underlying infection
Causes & risk factors
- Rapid rise in body temperature in a susceptible child
- Malaria, viral infections, ear and throat infections
- Family history of febrile seizures
- Age six months to five years
Treatment & self-care
During a fit: place the child on their side on a safe surface, remove tight clothing, and do not put anything in the mouth, force the jaws or use traditional burns and concoctions — these maim children. After the fit, the child needs same-day medical review to find and treat the fever's cause, including a malaria test. Fever control with paracetamol-type medicine and tepid sponging makes the child comfortable.
See a doctor urgently if
- Any first convulsion — same day, even if the child seems fine after
- A fit lasting more than five minutes — emergency
- Repeated fits in one illness
- Stiff neck, vomiting, rash or persistent drowsiness
- A fit in a baby under six months
This condition can be an emergency. If any of the signs above are severe or getting worse, go to the nearest emergency room now or call 112 or 199 — do not wait for an online consultation.